SFSD Fall Newsletter 2025

A PUP’S progress

Things have really changed for me!

I’ve asked my puppy raiser, Cabell, and she keeps telling me she will explain it later. I’ve asked my brothers, and they don’t have a clue. My mom, Beatrice, is busy with a new litter, so I can’t talk to her. I’m sure I will find out eventually. And when I do, I will tell you all about it! In the meantime, I am living my best life. I am back at home with Cabell and coming to work with her. We are keeping up my skills in case this breeding thing- whatever it is - doesn’t work out and I go back into training. I am playing with my friends every day, going on walks, taking naps, and generally having a great time. We are still working on my leash skills, and I am still trying to contain my enthusiasm, but otherwise, the pressure is off, and I feel like I am on vacation!

So, here is what happened. I took A LOT of tests. And I mean a lot. I took something called a PennHIP, an OFA Elbows test, and a test on my heart called an OFA Heart Advanced (Echocardiogram). They also did a behavioral evaluation, a structural evaluation, a physical exam, and a gynecological exam at Virginia Tech with someone called a theriogenologist. Then I had genetic testing for things like (get ready for it): Centronuclear Myopathy, CNM (PTPLA), Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis, HNPK (SUV39H2), Exercise Induced Collapse, EIC (DNM1), Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2, GR-PRA2 (TTC8), and about a hundred other conditions. They basically checked every part of me that is humanly possible to check. It was A LOT, and I don’t really know what any of it means, but guess what?! I passed it all! And I get to leave that tedious Training Program behind, because now, I am in the Breeding Program! Here’s the rub though - I have no idea what that means either.

So, even though I have no idea what this program is, so far, it is my favorite one!

ivy

“I know there are big plans for my future, but for now, I am just enjoying the journey!”

To read prior editions of A Pup’s Progress, visit saintfrancisdogs.org/publications

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